A laser powered by tiny molecular springs (2^16)

Do you ever wonder how lasers work? What makes them different from other sources of light? The answer "stimulated emission" is frequently given, but even more important is achieving "population inversion". In this video I try to explain both, starting from ground level (no pun intended). Specifically, I describe the functionality of my cnc CO2 laser cutter.
I also show off a woodblock printing I made using that laser cutter, replicating the graphics from the opening of The Legend of Zelda the Wind Waker. Using watercolor paper, tea, acrylic paint, and water-soluble printing ink, I recreate the prologue for the game.
Be sure to check out the subreddit: / trytryagain
Music in this video:
I Dunno by grapes is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommon...) ccmixter.org/fi...
Excerpt from The Legend of Zelda, the Wind Waker opening cutscene, Nintendo
Excerpt from The Legend of Zelda, the Wind Waker: Battle, Koji Kondo, Nintendo
Excerpt from The Legend of Zelda, the Wind Waker: Legendary Hero, Koji Kondo, Nintendo
Excerpt from The Legend of Zelda, the Wind Waker: Dragon Island, Koji Kondo, Nintendo